Former England and Manchester City defender Micah Richards has delivered a sobering assessment of Mikel Arteta's capabilities at Arsenal, openly questioning whether the Spanish manager possesses what it takes to end the club's twenty-year wait for Premier League supremacy.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards didn't mince words when discussing Arsenal's recent title challenges. "The question mark for me is Mikel Arteta," Richards stated bluntly. "He's done a fantastic job, but can he get them over the line?"
The Psychological Hurdle
Richards highlighted the mental barrier that seems to plague Arsenal during crucial moments of the season. "When the pressure is on, they seem to fall just short," he observed, pointing to the team's tendency to falter when the title is within reach.
The former defender's comments come after Arsenal's back-to-back second-place finishes behind the dominant Manchester City machine managed by Pep Guardiola.
Arteta's Transformation Project
Despite his reservations, Richards acknowledged the remarkable work Arteta has done since taking over in 2019. The Spaniard has completely overhauled the squad, implementing a distinct playing philosophy and restoring the club to Champions League football.
However, the ultimate test remains winning the Premier League - a feat Arsenal haven't accomplished since the legendary Invincibles season of 2003-2004.
The Guardiola Shadow
Richards also touched upon the unique dynamic between Arteta and his former mentor Pep Guardiola. Having served as Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City, Arteta now finds himself trying to outsmart his former teacher in the Premier League arena.
This pupil-versus-master narrative adds another layer of intrigue to Arsenal's pursuit of Manchester City's crown.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Arteta to prove his doubters wrong and finally deliver the Premier League trophy that Arsenal supporters crave more than any other.
